| Ziama Massif | |
| Photo Width: | 260 |
| Location: | Nzérékoré Region, Guinea |
| Coordinates: | 8.24, -9.36 |
| Area: | 116,200 hectares |
| Established: | 1932 |
The Ziama Massif is a forested mountain range in Nzérékoré Region of southeastern Guinea.
The Ziama Massif extends northeast-southwest, continuing south into Liberia as the Kpo Range. The eastern slopes are drained by the St. Paul River, and the western slopes by the Lofa River; both rivers drain southwest through Liberia to empty into the Atlantic Ocean. The highest points of the massif reach to almost 1,400 meters above sea level. The forested landscape includes valleys, plateaus, rounded ridges, rocky peaks, sheer cliffs and granite outcrops.[1]
The Ziama Massif is part of the Guinean montane forests ecoregion, and harbors a distinct flora and fauna from the surrounding lowlands.[2]
The Ziama Forest was designated a nature reserve in 1932 and approved as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1980, covering 1,161.70 km². It is considered by conservationists as a relict of the diminishing Upper Guinean forest formation.[3] The Ziama Massif Biosphere Reserve is home to more than 1,300 species of plants and more than 500 species of animals.[4]
Ziama Massif Biosphere Reserve
Ziama Massif (Protected Planet)